Question

The value of the two-digit number $\underline{a}\,\underline{b}$ in base seven equals the value of the two-digit number $\underline{b}\,\underline{a}$ in base nine. What is $a + b?$

$7$

$9$

$10$

$11$

$14$

Answer: A

Concepts:number base place value Diophantine Equation

Difficulty rating: 1130

Solution:

By place value, $\underline{a}\,\underline{b}$ in base seven is $7a + b,$ and $\underline{b}\,\underline{a}$ in base nine is $9b + a.$ Set them equal: $7a + b = 9b + a,$ so $6a = 8b,$ that is $3a = 4b.$ Thus $a = 4t$ and $b = 3t.$ Because these are two-digit numerals, $t \ne 0;$ because $a$ is a base-seven digit, $t \le 1.$ Hence $a = 4$ and $b = 3,$ so $a + b = 7.$ Therefore, the answer is A.

2025 AMC 10B Problem 4

Answer: A

Difficulty rating: 1130

Solution:

Problem 4 in Other Years